Blog
Learn more about the complex fields of addiction and recovery. The new NEOVIVA Library provides in-depth information and advice for affected persons, interested people and health professionals. We feature articles and news on addiction research and policy, regularly updated with new insights and perspectives. The library will grow with time; if you subscribe to updates, we will be happy to inform you when new articles are published.
Cultural attitudes towards psychotherapy in the Muslim Communities
I was sitting next to my father, caressing his hair. I noticed some black pimples on the bold part of his head. I thought that perhaps I had found the cure for my father`s strange illness. I needed to remove them one by one, which I did. I waited with anticipation to...
Not just safe, but seen: Shelley Heusser on relational therapy
When you meet Shelley Heusser, his openness strikes you; it is steady, unforced and paired with a calmness that speaks of someone deeply grounded and reflective. In his receptive presence, you feel instantly seen. Yet, beneath the quiet is a mind and heart that are...
What Should Queer-affirmative Psychotherapy Be?
While LGBTQ+ lifestyles are socially accepted in some parts of the world, the global contemporary zeitgeist of ambivalence and in more extreme cases, active criminalisation, perpetuates the internalisation of a rejecting and devaluing attitude towards one’s self and...
The only way out is in
When you first meet Jason Milne, the Head Recovery Counsellor at NEOVIVA, you are immediately struck by his calm presence. It's a kind of stillness that doesn't just manifest; it has been cultivated over a prolonged period. Beneath, however, lies a remarkable story of...
Donkeys: The Emotional mirrors in Addiction Recovery
When we think of donkeys, we often picture them piled high with goods, transporting huge loads over rough and mountainous terrains, not as therapy animals. In animal-assisted therapy (AAT), dogs and horses usually steal the limelight. But a quieter, more contemplative...
Rebuilding Social Networks in Recovery
As a recovery counsellor at NEOVIVA, I’ve seen firsthand how important social networks are in the recovery process. Many people enter treatment focused solely on their individual work, but the relationships they create, maintain or relinquish, have a huge impact on...
Recognising the Road to Relapse: A Recovery Counsellor’s Perspective
Addiction recovery is not just about stopping the use of substances; it is about building a life that supports lasting change. Over the past eleven years in recovery, I have learned that relapse is rarely a sudden event. Instead, it is a process—a gradual accumulation...
Why NEOVIVA Stands Out: A Personal Perspective on Addiction Treatment
With 20 years in the addiction treatment field, I’ve worked alongside incredible organisations and individuals who have shaped my understanding of recovery. But I’ve also encountered practices that left me frustrated, disillusioned, and even angry. My guiding...
The Illusion of AI Companionship: What We’re Risking in Mental Health Support
What happens when the search for connection leads people into the arms of artificial intelligence?With mental health issues on the rise, AI has entered the scene as a potential remedy for loneliness and a tool in mental health support. In 2019, the World Health...
Sober Companions
The road to sobriety is a challenging journey that often requires more than just willpower. For many individuals, especially during the early stages of recovery, having additional support can make a significant difference. This is where a sober companion comes into...